ed of that," answered Tom Rover. "Just the same, I
wish I were going along."

"So do I, now that the time has come."

"We may never have to go to France," put in Sam Rover. "The war may be
over before that time." Yet, as he spoke, he knew in his heart that
such was not likely to be the case. But he wanted to say something to
ease the minds of his wife and the other womenfolks.

There were quite a number of volunteers to entrain, and friends and
relatives were hurrying this way and that to see them off. Among the
Rovers there was much handshaking and not a few kisses, and then Dick
Rover and Sam entered the train, which, a few seconds later, glided
from the station.

It was a sober crowd that returned to the Rover homes, even Andy and
Randy being subdued. No one felt like talking. Poor Martha seemed to
be the most affected, and had she attempted to speak she would
certainly have broken out crying.

"Well, I suppose we've got to get back to Colby Hall to finish out the
term," remarked Jack, after Tom Rover had departed for the offices in
Wall Street.

"Gee! I wish I could volunteer and go to that camp," sighed Fred.

"Well, we'll get a touch of camp life soon," returned Jack.

He referred to the annual encampment of the Colby Hall students. Every
year the cadets of the school were marched away to some place either
in the mountains or on the seashore, there to erect their tents and
live under canvas for several weeks. During this encampment the cadets
were given a taste of real military life, with strenuous drills and
marches, target and bayonet practice, and usually ending with a
thrilling sham battle.

"Well, we can't get under canvas any too quick to suit me," announced
Randy. "I'd rather be out in the open air than in the Hall."

It was arranged that the young folks should return to Haven Point on
the following morning. Andy and Randy wanted to see as much of their
father as possible, and so decided to run down to Wall Street late in
the afternoon and come home with him.

"And you fellows can come along, if you want to," said Randy to his
cousins.

"That suits me," answered Jack. "I'd like to see how things look at
the offices. I haven't been down there in a long time."

"I'd like to go, too," came from Fred. "Maybe we can cheer Uncle Tom
up a bit. He certainly deserves it--having all this business thrust on
his shoulders!"

It did not take the four boys long to reach Wall Street, and then they
hurri